Trustee recruitment & information pack 2021 - MOVE ON UP - SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR YOUNG ADULT CARERS - Quaker Social ...
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M OV E O N U P - S U P P O R TI V E H O U S I N G F O R YO U N G A D U LT C A R E R S Trustee recruitment & information pack 2021
INTRODUCTION
T hank you for showing an interest in the role of trustee of Quaker Social
Action. This year we hope to recruit three new Quaker trustees to the
QSA board.
Are you looking to contribute to a small, influential organisation that will
make the most of your time, energy and skills? Are you looking for a way to
put your faith into action?
With 6% of the UK population trapped in deep poverty, earning at least
50% below the poverty line, there has never been a greater need for
organisations like QSA. The pandemic has highlighted and deepened
inequalities, and across civil society there is timely work needed around
With 6% of the UK rebuilding and rethinking. This year has brought additional challenges and a
need to adapt, but with so much in transition, there are also new possibilities.
population trapped in
To respond to these, we will continue to listen to and learn from people
and communities we support, as well as staff and volunteers, and the wider
Quaker community.
deep poverty there has This is an exciting and important time to help steward a voluntary sector
organisation. QSA is an innovative charity that has been Quaker-led for more
never been a greater
than 150 years. It boasts a rare combination: responsive, practical frontline
support via evidence-based, unique projects; coupled with ambitious
advocacy at national level, ensuring that the root causes of poverty are
need for organisations
surfaced and challenged head-on.
We are delighted that the highly-regarded and well-loved Quaker Homeless
like QSA. Action has joined QSA. As a board we are supporting the leadership team
to explore this field, taking the best from what has gone on before. We look
forward to this exciting new chapter of the organisation's work and impact.
Volunteering as a trustee can be a hugely rewarding and valuable form of
service for a Quaker. There can be challenges but also opportunities to
use your strengths, and to try out new things in a supportive and creative
environment. I continue to receive so much, and have developed personally
and spiritually as a result. I feel privileged to be able to contribute to an
extraordinary organisation.
If you feel led to serve in this capacity you may be just the person we
are looking for. Please take time to explore this pack which gives more
information about the role and about QSA. Even if you feel that you do not
necessarily meet the criteria, please act as led and trust the process. Do
get in touch if you have any queries or if you’d like to talk it through with
someone - we would love to hear from you.
Caroline Tisdall, Clerk
T R U S T E E R E C R U I T M E N T PAC K 202 1 03
WHO IS QUAKER
SOCIAL ACTION?
QSA is an independent UK charity working with
people on low incomes to seek solutions to the
issues affecting their lives.
P rojects and services include: crisis support for those unable
to afford funerals; courses that empower people to manage
their money and improve resilience; practical support for people
experiencing homelessness; and the UK’s first dedicated supported
housing project for young adult carers.
QSA was founded by Quakers in 1867, troubled by the social
injustices of the time and keen to tackle them. This sense of taking
practical action to address societal challenges has stayed with us
over our 150 year history and our organisational values are aligned
with Quaker values of equality, truth and peace.
QSA is the largest independent Quaker charity and Quakers across
the UK have always supported our work – with approximately 20% of
our £1 million income coming from Quaker sources. So, we are proud
of our Quaker heritage and our place within the Quaker community,
while also clear that our services, jobs and volunteering roles are
open to all.
Learn more about our practical action against poverty >
T H I S WAY U P - P R O F E S S I O N A L C OAC H I N G A N D M I N D F U LN E S S
QSA – TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT 05
WH AT A RE WE LOO KI N G FO R WITH H OW DO I CO NTR I BUTE A S A
OU R N E W TRUSTE E S ? TRUSTE E ?
QSA is a Quaker organisation. Here, Quaker trustees are stewards of QSA is a charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning that
the spirit that has been alive in QSA for the past 150 years and have the role involves being a charity trustee and a company director. The
a particular responsibility to carry this forward in our governance. whole trustee body, known as the council, meets four times a year.
The qualities we seek in all of our trustees are: After lockdown, we plan for this to involve a mix of online, blended
and at least one face-to-face meeting each year.
• Passionate about the aims of QSA and keen to contribute to our
work Dates are set for the whole year and papers are sent out a week in
• Have a strong understanding of issues affecting people living in advance, in the expectation of a high level of attendance for each
poverty council, with trustees coming along well prepared for discernment
within the meeting. There are also a number of committees covering
• Understand the role of a trustee; to lead the organisation, to finance & fundraising, staffing and governance & nominations, which
support and stretch staff, to unite on its strategy, to steward the meet 2-4 times a year, and each trustee will normally join one of
assets and to look after its future these committees. Further to this there are formal and informal
• Willing and able to take on trustee and company director opportunities to meet with fellow trustees and indeed with the QSA
responsibilities for an initial three year term staff team, in the form of away days or special events.
We believe there is a real strength in a diverse trustee body, so are Each committee has a convenor and council itself has a clerk and an
particularly keen to receive applications from people with disabilities, assistant clerk. We are very keen to support trustees to develop into
from BAME communities, and/or who have lived experience of these roles during their tenure.
being on a low income. However, please do submit an application
regardless of whether these attributes apply to you, if you share Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction and for
our values and can see yourself making a contribution as a QSA the financial oversight of QSA, ensuring we comply with relevant
trustee. Similarly, we want to create an inclusive board, so if you are regulation and supporting the 31 paid staff of the charity to deliver
interested in being a trustee, but feel there may be barriers for you to on our mission. Being a trustee for a charity as diverse and energetic
do so, do contact us to see if these barriers can be addressed. as QSA offers an exciting opportunity for people who are passionate
about tackling poverty.
“There’s a good working relationship between
trustees and staff as we’re all wanting the "I appreciate the opportunity to make this part
same thing: to set up innovative schemes that of my life speak my Quaker values. QSA really is
genuinely help people to help themselves.” Quakerism in action.”
Sara Feilden, QSA trustee Loveday Shewell, QSA trustee
QSA – TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT 07WH Y A R E WE R E C RU ITI N G N OW ?
Three of our trustees are stepping down in September, so we wish
to fill their places and maintain the number of trustees at twelve.
QSA’s governing documents require that the majority of trustees are
Quakers and we are therefore recruiting Quakers to join us in this
recruitment round.
WH AT SU PP O RT WI LL I G ET ?
We know that getting to grips with any trustee role takes time and we
will support you throughout. We ensure any new trustee receives an
induction; meeting key staff and trustees and understanding more
about the way that the trustees work together. Our trustees are also
encouraged to attend trustee training and we circulate information
we think will be useful for trustees’ understanding of the world that
QSA works in. Any travel expenses incurred by trustees are covered
by QSA.
H OW CA N I F I N D OUT M O R E ?
If you are interested but not sure if you fit the bill, or simply want
to find out more, please do get in touch with us. You can arrange a
conversation with our director Judith Moran, or you can chat online
with one of our trustees at a special event we’re organising online on
the evening of 7 April. Contact Judith if you’re interested in either or
both of these opportunities - judithmoran@qsa.org.uk.
To read more about our work, our income or our impact, and find our
latest annual report, please visit our website.
"QSA is such an impactful organisation and
being a trustee is a great way for Quakers to
apply their values to supporting positive social
action."
Nico Tyabji, QSA trustee
A B E R F E LDY B I G LO C A L - C O N N E C T I N G C O M M U N ITI E S TO M A K E
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GEEN T 09WH AT S H OU LD I DO I F I A M
I NTE R E STE D?
If you decide to apply, then you will need to send the following to
info@qsa.org.uk:
• A recent CV or a link to your LinkedIn profile if you prefer
• A covering letter or supporting statement in written (no more
than two sides) or video form, letting us know why you would
like to join QSA and what you would bring to this position
• We also invite you to complete our online equality and diversity
monitoring form
WH AT I S TH E RE C RU ITM E NT
TI M ETA B LE ?
• We need to receive your application by 10.00am on Thursday
29 April 2021
• Online interviews will be held on Tuesday 11 May 2021 (an
alternative could be offered in exceptional circumstances, so
please let us know if you are not able to make that date)
• New trustees will join us for their first meeting on the evening of
Tuesday 14 September 2021
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to receiving your
application.
Q S A – T R U S T E E PAC K 202 1You can also read
